(Sioux Falls, SD) — Representative Dusty Johnson leads a roundtable on behavioral health, bringing together South Dakota experts to tackle mental health and addiction challenges. On Tuesday, the group highlighted major concerns like rising suicide rates among young adults and a shortage of mental health professionals. Experts say schools are key to reaching kids, but more resources and workforce are needed. They also stress the importance of regional services and early investment, especially as substance abuse remains a growing issue in the state. Johnson says the goal is clear, and that’s to give kids the support they need to grow into healthy adults.
